Revolving Apparatus for Agriculture Products Cultivation Beds
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to the field of the cultivation of mushrooms or
other agricultural products. More particularly, the invention relates to a method
and apparatus for the cultivation of such products throughout their development.
The invention seeks to provide a convenient solution for mushroom cultivation
while providing easy access for cultivation and cropping.
Mushrooms or other agricultural products must be cultivated under specific
conditions in specially designed housing facilities that maintain exact temperature,
carbon dioxide content and humidity of the air in accordance with the stage of
growth of the mushrooms. This limits the amount of space available for mushroom
cultivation.
Several space saving solutions have been suggested in the past. A widely
used system currently in use involves growing the mushrooms in long beds raised
on platforms along the walls of a housing facility. The platforms are positioned
one above the other in a manner much like hanging shelves. This system is
advantageous in that it utilizes much of the available space and provides adequate
ventilation. However, these platform beds are difficult to maintain since the user
must reach each platform separately, sometimes having to use a stool or a ladder
to reach beds that are positioned higher on the wall, in order to spread compost,
water, crop the mushrooms or perform any other task required during cultivation.
European patent no. EP0324607 describes horizontally and vertically
movable equipment for cultivation mushrooms or other products. The equipment
consists of a plurality of beds positioned side by side and one above the other, and
are pivotally attached at their ends to two chains, which are carried between upper
and lower sprocket wheels. Each bed can be moved to a position in which a user
can comfortably tend to the mushrooms while sitting or standing. This apparatus is
preferable over the existing system but has some disadvantages, among which are
the large size, machine costs and maintenance cost.
The present invention suggests an apparatus that maintains ventilation,
allows easy access to the mushrooms, and utilizes maximal amount of available
space. This freestanding apparatus consists of multiple units, each containing a
plurality of vertically rotating beds. Each unit is also connected to the central axis
of the apparatus and the units rotate in a similar fashion to the beds within them.
The design of the apparatus is reminiscent to that of a Ferris wheel at an
amusement park. Greek patent no. GRl 002430 provides a similar but a simpler
apparatus designed for breeding silkworms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a rotating cultivation system, for cultivating
mushrooms, which holds a plurality of trays enabling the movement of each tray
to a specific location. The system is comprised of a main wheel assembly having a
rotating mechanism at the central axis controlled by an electric or hydraulic motor
and two frames having supporting spokes projecting from the central axis and a
secondary wheel assemblies each having a central axis and two frames of spokes
extending from the secondary axis wherein each spoke holds a tray, wherein the
central axes of the secondary wheel assemblies are located at the edges of the main
wheel assembly supporting spokes and the rotation of the secondary wheel
assemblies is independent of the main wheel assembly rotation.
The rotation of all secondary wheel assemblies is controlled by a central
rotating mechanism which include a second electric or hydraulic motor and a gear
assembly which enables the rotation of all secondary wheel assemblies
simultaneously.
SUMMARY
A rotating cultivation system for holding a plurality of trays enabling the
movement of each tray to any specific location is disclosed. The system is
comprised of a main wheel assembly having a rotating mechanism at the central
axis controlled by a motor and at least two frames having supporting spokes
projecting from the central axis wherein each spoke holds a tray. The apparatus
also comprises several secondary wheel assemblies each having a central axis and
at least two frames of spokes extending from the secondary axis wherein each
spoke holds a tray. The secondary wheel assemblies are located at the edges of the
main wheel assembly supporting spokes, the rotation of the secondary wheel
assemblies is independent of the main wheel assembly rotation, and the adjacent
secondary wheel assemblies may rotate in opposite directions in synchronization.
According to a first preferred embodiment The rotation of all secondary wheel
assemblies is controlled by a central rotating mechanism which includes a second
motor and a gear assembly enabling the rotation of all secondary wheel assemblies
simultaneously. The gear assembly is mounted on the same axis of the main wheel
assembly utilizing ball bearings for differentiating the movement of the gear
assembly from the movement of the main wheel assembly.
The central rotating mechanism transfers the rotational movement through gears
and shafts wherein a main gear rotates respective small gears and each small gear
transfers the motion to a respective secondary wheel assembly through the shaft
rotation. Alternatively, the central rotating mechanism transfers the rotational
movement through gears and chains wherein a main gear rotates respective small
gears and each small gear transfers the motion to a respective secondary wheel
assembly through the chain movement. The rotation of each secondary wheel
assembly is controlled by a single rotating mechanism which includes a second
motor and a gear.
According to the second preferred embodiment the main wheel assembly is
comprised of an external wheel and an inner wheel, each driven by a separate
motor, wherein the external wheel rotates on bearing which are positioned on a
stand and the two sides of the inner wheel rotate in opposite directions, each side
causing the rotation of three un-successive secondary wheels on their axes.
According to the third embodiment the secondary wheels are shaped as big
cogwheels positioned in proximity to one another for enabling one of the
secondary wheel to rotate all other secondary wheels.
The trays may contain cultivation beds for growing mushrooms or any other type
of agricultural products. The main and secondary assemblies may be elevated by a
stand consisting of two triangular frames and the motors may be located on the
triangular stand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and further features and advantages of the invention will become
more clearly understood in the light of the ensuing description of a preferred
embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein-
Fig. 1 is a front view of the apparatus assembled in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus assembled in accordance with
the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is perspective view of the main wheel assembly according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the main wheel assembly according
to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5a is an enlarged perspective view of the control unit according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5b is an enlarged perspective cross section of the control unit according
to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 c is an enlarged top view of the control unit according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 d is an enlarged front cross section of the control unit according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the control unit assembled with the
shafts according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a secondary wheel assembly
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a cultivation bed according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a front view of the apparatus assembled in accordance with the
second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a front view of the apparatus assembled in accordance with the
third embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The apparatus described in the present invention is designed to hold a
plurality of cultivation beds for mushrooms or other agricultural products each
rotating on two different axes. The three disclosed embodiments operate according
to different configurations but all provide similar functionality for the apparatus,
enabling the frames holding the cultivation beds to rotate in two different circular
motions independently or in congruence.
The overall design of the first embodiment of the apparatus resembles that of
a Ferris wheel and includes a main wheel assembly A, main rotating mechanism 2,
a number of secondary wheel assemblies B, the same number of secondary
rotating mechanisms 4, a control unit C, a triangular stand D, and a plurality of
cultivation beds E. The apparatus may be constructed of various types of materials
including metal, plastic, etc.
The main wheel assembly A is shown in figures 1 and 2. Referring to these
figures, the main wheel assembly A consists of two frames in the shape of
polygons with stabilizing spokes 6. The frames are connected at the main axis 1 in
their centers by an elongated spool. The control unit C and main rotating
mechanism 2 of the apparatus are positioned at the center of one of the frames
next to the main axis 1. A number of gear housings 5 are attached to the vertices of
the polygon frame, and the same number of shafts 10 project from the control unit
C along the spokes 6 of the frames and connect to the gear housings 5.
The secondary wheel assemblies B, one of which is illustrated in figure 7,
hold the cultivation beds E. Each secondary wheel assembly B consists of two
frames containing a number of spokes 15. The frames are connected at their
central axis, which is also a secondary axis 3 of the entire apparatus, by an
elongated spool. A number of smaller stabilizing cylindrical 17 bars are also
positioned between each two respective spokes 15 on opposite frames. Each
cultivation bed is positioned between two such corresponding spokes 15. The
spokes 15 have rounded ends 16 with holes to accommodate the pins 18
positioned on each side of the cultivation beds E (see figure 8). Each cultivation
bed E is free to rotate on its own axis according to its current position on the
apparatus. As a result, the beds E will maintain their vertical position regardless of
the entire unit's rotation due to gravity.
The secondary wheel assemblies B are connected at their central axes 3 to the
gear housings 5, which connect them to the main wheel assembly A. Within the
gear housings 5 are secondary rotating mechanisms 4 that rotate the secondary
wheel assemblies B. These mechanisms 4 turn adjacent secondary wheel
assemblies B in alternating directions to conserve space while avoiding clashes.
AU of the rotating mechanisms 2, 4 within the apparatus are controlled by the
control unit C, which is shown in figure 5 and consists of two large gears 11, 12, a
circular rack 13, and a number of small gears 14 corresponding to the number of
secondary wheel assemblies B used in the apparatus. As mentioned above, the
control unit C is positioned in the center of one of the frames of the main wheel
assembly A, i.e. at the main axis 1. A ball bearing separates the two large gears 11,
12 in the control unit so that each gear may be turned independently from the
other. The main gear 11 turns the main rotating mechanism 2, which rotates the
main wheel assembly A on the main axis 1. The secondary gear 12 turns the rack
13, which turns all of the small gears 14 placed on it. These gears 14 are connected
to the protruding shafts 10 using cardan joints, as shown in figure 6, while the
shafts are connected to the secondary rotating mechanisms 4 as shown in figure 4.
Therefore, the rotation of this gear 12 on the control unit C results in the rotation
of all of the secondary wheel assemblies 4 — on the secondary axes 3 ~ at once.
Referring again to figures 1 and 2, the triangular stand D is also constructed
of two frames corresponding to the frames of the main wheel assembly A. The
frame of the stand that attaches to the main wheel frame containing the control
unit C described above also holds the motors 8, 9 designated to turn the rotating
mechanisms 2, 4. Using two separate motors 8, 9 for the two gears 11, 12 in the
control unit allows the rotating mechanisms 2, 4 to operate independently. This
stand D serves the purpose of raising the main wheel assembly A from the floor
but also connects to the control unit C in order to transfer the energy from the
motors 8, 9 to the rotating mechanisms 2, 4. The motor 8, 9 may be electrical or
hydraulic motors.
A different implementation of the first embodiment involves the use of the
same parts and mechanisms described above, while the shafts 10 protruding from
the central unit C are replaced by metal chains that perform the same function as
these shafts 10.
The second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in figure 9.
The apparatus 900 is composed of two concentric wheels; a central rotating wheel
910 and an external rotating wheel 920, whereas each of them is rotated by an
individual motor (not shown). Positioned between the two wheels and tangential to
the external wheel 920 are six secondary wheel assemblies B, which as in the first
embodiment hold the cultivation beds E.
Six rods 930 connect the central rotating wheel 910 and the secondary wheel
assemblies B. All six rods 930 are attached to the central rotating wheel 910, and
each rod is attached to a single secondary wheel assembly B via joint 937. Three
rods are connected to one side of the central wheel 910 at joint 935a and the other
three are connected to the other side of wheel 910 at joint 935b; the two sides of
wheel 910 are connected by a gear and they rotate in opposite directions. The
rotation of the central wheel 910 therefore causes each of the secondary wheel
assemblies B to rotate on its axis 3, whereas each secondary wheel assembly B
rotates in an alternate direction in relation to its two neighboring units.
Each of the secondary wheel assemblies B is also connected to the external
wheel 920. The rotation of the external wheel 920 causes the whole apparatus to
rotate around the central axis 1. The combination of circular movements around
axes 1 and 3 enables each of the cultivation beds E to reach any position in the
perimeter of the external wheel 920.
As figure 9 clearly illustrates, unlike the first embodiment, the apparatus 900
does not rest on its central axis, but instead is situated on its external wheel 920.
The external wheel 920 is positioned on bearings (bogies) 945 of stand 940, which
allow the external wheel 920 a full 360 degrees rotation in either direction.
The structure of the third embodiment, a schematic illustration of which is in
figure 10, also enables operating a similar combination of circular motions by only
two motors. The apparatus is comprised of a central polygon frame and secondary
assemblies B. The axes of the secondary assemblies 3 are positioned at the vertices
of polygon 1010. Similarly to the first embodiment the polygon 1010 is supported
on its axis by a triangular stand D (not shown in figure 10, see figures 1, 2).
The secondary assemblies B, which similarly to the previous embodiments
hold the cultivation beds E, are shaped as big cogwheels. As is clear from the
assembly's illustration (figure 10) the cogwheel-shaped secondary assemblies B
are positioned in a proximity which assures that the rotation of a single secondary
assembly B on its axis 3 causes all other secondary assemblies B to rotate on
theirs. The two rotating motions may then be achieved by two motors: a motor
which rotates the entire apparatus around the central axis 1 and a second motor
which is connected to a single secondary assembly B and rotates it on its axis 3,
but in fact causes all secondary assemblies B to rotate on their axes in alternate
directions simultaneously.
An additional preferred embodiment of the present invention is similar to the
embodiment described above, but suggests the use of a separate motor for each of
the secondary wheel assemblies. This embodiment is more costly but allows for
greater accessibility and more options for the rotation of the trays.
Although the apparatus described in the present invention may be used for
cultivation of various different products, it is especially beneficial for cultivation
and harvesting of mushrooms or other agricultural products. For the cultivation of
mushrooms, the cultivation trays may be removed and sterilized either
individually, together, or in any particular order that the user wishes.
The trays may then be replaced and soil may be poured into the trays two at a
time from either side of the apparatus in order to maintain the balance of the
apparatus. Any type of soil may be used; however, the relatively large surface area
of the cultivation trays described in the present invention causes the invention to
be particularly advantageous with the use of heat-emitting soil such as used for
mushroom cultivation.
Although housing facilities for the cultivation of mushrooms or other
agricultural products are air conditioned, the temperature and quality of the air
may still differ in various areas and/or heights within the room. In the present
invention, two or more different rotations of the cultivation beds assure proper and
even ventilation of the mushrooms or other product in all stages of cultivation. The
apparatus can rotate the mushrooms unsupervised on the main axis, secondary
axes, an individual secondary axis, or all axes at once. A timer may be attached to
one or more of the motors in order to automatically rotate the mushrooms for
predefined periods of time.
In all embodiments, the rotational feature of the present invention also
allows for easy access to any specific cultivation bed since the rotation of the bed
units vice versa is independent from that of the entire frame. The user may sit or
stand in one place on either side and at any height around the apparatus and rotate
any cultivation bed to its desired location at the touch of a button. This feature
may facilitate the integration of automatic harvesting means, such as a harvesting
robot especially designed for a specific type of an agricultural product, since the
automatic rotation of the cultivation beds allows the robot to be stationary. It also
allows for simultaneous cultivation or harvesting by more than one person. The
ability to increase manpower gives the user/s more options and can result in
greater efficiency.
While the above description contains many specifities, these should not be
construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as
exemplifications of the preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will
envision other possible variations that are within its scope. Accordingly, the scope
of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by
the appended claims and their legal equivalents.